4TG

In this episode of the 4TG Podcast, Kylie sits down with Ayeisha McFerran, Irish international hockey goalkeeper and Unboxed podcast host, for a real-talk conversation about confidence, identity, and the environments that either keep girls in sport or quietly push them out.

Ayeisha opens up about being perceived as calm and confident while privately overthinking everything, how growing up outside the “typical” hockey pathway shaped her self-belief, and why it took years to truly feel like she belonged at the elite level. They also unpack the power of language in women’s sport, including a moment that reframed the word “beautiful” as something you can feel through performance, not something you are judged on by appearance.

From culture and communication to the sacrifices athletes make behind the scenes, this episode is a reminder that you are a person first – and that great sport should make space for the full human experience. They also talk about all the things you shouldn't discuss at a dinner table - politics, religion, and finances.

Key Takeaways

• Confidence and insecurity can exist at the same time – being “good at chatting” does not mean you are not overthinking later.
• Feeling like you do not belong often comes from environment and story, not ability.
• The words coaches use shape identity – language can build belief or reinforce pressure.
• “Beautiful” can be reclaimed as a performance word – not just a looks word.
• People-pleasing can make you absorb everyone’s opinions – self-trust is a skill you build over time.
• Elite sport comes with real sacrifices – missing weddings, funerals, and everyday moments back home.
• Culture is not a buzzword – it is built through accountability, safety, and hard conversations done with care.
• Athletes are people first – and performance improves when teams allow space for off days and real life.
• If the joy starts to disappear, it is a signal to change something – not a reason to quit on yourself.

Chapters

00:00:00 - Intro

00:02:18 - “People think I’m confident” – confidence vs overthinking

00:03:07 - Superstitions, control, and learning to let go00:05:26 - Proving yourself and feeling like you belong

00:08:11 - “That’s beautiful” – changing the way we talk about women’s performance

00:12:14 - Sport as community, safety, and an escape when life is heavy

00:16:24 - How sport opened doors – travel, study, and opportunity

00:22:00 - The story of Ayeisha’s first Ireland cap

00:27:09 - Identity, self-belief, and backing yourself when no one else will

00:33:00 - Staying in sport when it gets hard – finding balance again

00:41:10 - What Ayeisha would do differently – investing in self beyond sport

00:42:13 - The sacrifices athletes make that people do not see

00:47:24 - Coaches, culture, and being a person first

00:53:03 - Culture and accountability – what it actually takes to build it

00:57:12 - Ayeisha’s podcast and “unboxing” athlete identity

01:05:47 - Wrap-up

Connect with Ayeisha

• Ayeisha McFerran: @ayeishamcferran
• UNBOXED Podcast: @_unboxedpod

Support the show

ABOUT THE HOST

Kylie Lynch is the Founder and Host of 4TG (For The Girls), a podcast and platform on a mission to keep more girls and women in sport.

A VFLW athlete, Australian representative in Polocrosse, coach, mentor and media/communications professional, Kylie has spent her career at the intersection of sport, media and community impact. Through 4TG, she shares the stories, lessons and experiences of elite athletes, coaches and industry leaders to help girls and women build confidence, navigate challenges and stay involved in sport for longer. Because sport doesn't just build athletes. It builds confidence, resilience, leadership, connection and opportunities that positively impact girls and women both on and off the field.

Connect with Kylie:

• Instagram: @kylie__lynch
• LinkedIn: Kylie Lynch
• Website: www.4tg.com.au
• Email: [email protected]

JOIN THE 4TG COMMUNITY

4TG exists to help keep more girls and women in sport.

Through powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, experts and industry leaders, we're building a community where girls and women feel inspired, supported and empowered to stay in the game.

• Instagram: ...

In this episode of the 4TG Podcast, Jacqui Louder shares her insights from a 25-year career as one of Australia’s leading sport and performance psychologists. Having worked with elite teams like Collingwood and Melbourne Storm, Jacqui discusses the evolution of the high-performance mindset and why mental skills are just as critical as physical ones. She emphasises the importance of effort over results, the need for specialised resources in women’s sport, and how athletes can navigate high-pressure environments. The conversation also explores why young girls are dropping out of sport and how we can build a more supportive, hardy generation of female athletes. 

Key Takeaways 

·      High performance is defined by laser focus, discipline, and persistent drive over a long period. 

·      Success and failure should be viewed as effort-based rather than just scoreboard results. 

·      Sport is a vital vehicle for learning life skills, including managing emotions and unpredictability. 

·      The high dropout rate of girls in sport is often linked to missing the sense of achievement and self-pride sport provides. 

·      Mental skills deserve as much dedicated training time as physical skills in elite performance. 

·      "Staying in your lane" within a team structure creates a more effective flow and communication. 

·      Professional self-care, such as Jacqui's hobby of cake decorating, is essential for decompressing from high-pressure roles. 

·      Female athletes require specialists in women’s health and physiology rather than just repurposed male-dominated structures. 

·      Building a supportive professional network is key to finding opportunities and peer support. 

·      True high performers admit their faults and strive for excellence without the trap of needing to be perfect.

Chapters: 

00:00:00 - Intro 

00:00:32 - The Secret to Elite Performance with Jacqui Louder 

00:03:39 - From Netball to Sport Psychology: Life Lessons from the Field 

00:06:25 - The Crisis in Women’s Sport: Why Girls are Dropping Out 

00:10:39 - 25 Years of High Performance: How Mindset Awareness has Evolved 00:14:46 - Working with Collingwood and Storm: The Reality of Pro Sport Culture 00:19:01 - 90% Mental: Defining the High Performance Mindset 

00:27:16 - Managing Game-Day Pressure: 3 Scenarios for Young Athletes 

00:35:50 - Process vs. Outcome: How Winning Coaches Build Trust 

00:42:17 - Psychological Safety and Leadership in Female Teams 

00:48:19 - Confidence vs. Arrogance: The Identity of an Elite Athlete 

00:51:38 - Systemic Change: The Future of Growth for Women’s Sport

Connect with Jacqui on socials to learn more about high-performance mindset and her work with elite athletes @jacquilouder or at https://www.performe.com.a

Support the show

ABOUT THE HOST

Kylie Lynch is the Founder and Host of 4TG (For The Girls), a podcast and platform on a mission to keep more girls and women in sport.

A VFLW athlete, Australian representative in Polocrosse, coach, mentor and media/communications professional, Kylie has spent her career at the intersection of sport, media and community impact. Through 4TG, she shares the stories, lessons and experiences of elite athletes, coaches and industry leaders to help girls and women build confidence, navigate challenges and stay involved in sport for longer. Because sport doesn't just build athletes. It builds confidence, resilience, leadership, connection and opportunities that positively impact girls and women both on and off the field.

Connect with Kylie:

• Instagram: @kylie__lynch
• LinkedIn: Kylie Lynch
• Website: www.4tg.com.au
• Email: [email protected]

JOIN THE 4TG COMMUNITY

4TG exists to help keep more girls and women in sport.

Through powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, experts and industry leaders, we're building a community where girls and women feel inspired, supported and empowered to stay in the game.

• Instagram: ...

In this episode of the 4TG Podcast, Emily McKie shares her journey as a trailblazer in Australian sports, particularly in coaching within male-dominated environments. With over 15 years of experience, she discusses the challenges and triumphs of being a female coach, the importance of community engagement, and the evolution of coaching philosophies. Emily emphasises the need for women to create their own pathways in sports and the significance of building supportive networks. The conversation also touches on the logistical challenges faced by women's sports and the importance of fostering an inclusive environment for all athletes.

Key takeaways

• Confidence is built through competency and understanding your craft.
• Women face unique challenges in coaching, often feeling isolated in male-dominated spaces.
• Building relationships within the community is crucial for success in coaching.
• The landscape of women's sports is evolving, but logistical challenges remain.
• Coaching philosophies must integrate social and emotional intelligence with technical skills.
• Female coaches can bring a different energy that enhances team dynamics.
• It's important to find allies who support and advocate for women in coaching.
• Creating pathways for women in coaching is essential for future generations.
• Self-awareness and understanding your coaching style are key to success.
• Enjoying the process and building connections is more important than immediate success.

Chapters

00:00 - Empowering Female Athletes

01:54 - Breaking Ground in Male-Dominated Spaces

06:23 - Personal Journey in Sport

10:21 - Building Female Football Pathways

12:32 - Logistical Challenges in Women's Sports

15:01 - The Importance of Coaching Philosophy

19:42 - Navigating Male-Dominated Coaching

24:50 - The Dichotomy of Female Leadership

30:30 - Overcoming Self-Doubt in Coaching

31:32 - Advice for Aspiring Female Coaches

40:21 - Creating Pathways for Women in Coaching

49:40 - The Evolution of Coaching Philosophy

01:00:24 - Future Aspirations in Coaching

Support the show

ABOUT THE HOST

Kylie Lynch is the Founder and Host of 4TG (For The Girls), a podcast and platform on a mission to keep more girls and women in sport.

A VFLW athlete, Australian representative in Polocrosse, coach, mentor and media/communications professional, Kylie has spent her career at the intersection of sport, media and community impact. Through 4TG, she shares the stories, lessons and experiences of elite athletes, coaches and industry leaders to help girls and women build confidence, navigate challenges and stay involved in sport for longer. Because sport doesn't just build athletes. It builds confidence, resilience, leadership, connection and opportunities that positively impact girls and women both on and off the field.

Connect with Kylie:

• Instagram: @kylie__lynch
• LinkedIn: Kylie Lynch
• Website: www.4tg.com.au
• Email: [email protected]

JOIN THE 4TG COMMUNITY

4TG exists to help keep more girls and women in sport.

Through powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, experts and industry leaders, we're building a community where girls and women feel inspired, supported and empowered to stay in the game.

• Instagram: ...

Welcome back to Season 2 of 4TG!

This week, we dive into the real work of personal growth as the new year kicks off—no empty resolutions, just honest conversations about what it takes to level up. We talk process over outcomes, why failure is your friend, and how radical accountability can change your year. Expect hard truths, practical tools, and a call to build a community that lifts you up.

Key Takeaways

• Process > Outcomes: Focus on the journey, not just the finish line.
• Failure = Data: Every setback is a lesson. Don’t fear it—use it.
• Audit Your Environment: Cut out what’s holding you back.
• Radical Accountability: Own your actions, own your growth.
• Consistency Wins: Small daily habits = big results.
• Back Yourself: Be your own biggest supporter.
• Worth ≠ Goals: You’re more than what you achieve.
• Community Matters: Surround yourself with people who push you forward.
• Upgrade Your Space: Create an environment that fuels productivity.
• Find Your Crew: Growth is easier (and more fun) together.

Sound Bites

• "Focus on who you're becoming."
• "Failure is data."
• "Be your own number one fan."

Chapters

1. 00:00 — New Year, New Perspectives
2. 02:38 — Process Over Outcomes
3. 07:11 — Embracing Failure and Change
4. 09:55 — Auditing Your Environment
5. 13:38 — Radical Accountability
6. 16:22 — Consistency is Key
7. 18:54 — Be Brave and Back Yourself
8. 20:46 — Building a Supportive Community

Free Event: Join the Free 4TG Mastermind – 18 Jan, 7:30pm

Listen now and get inspired to write your own story—on and off the field.

Support the 4TG mission on Buy Me a Coffee. Every donation helps keep the lights on!

Thank you for being part of the 4TG community. We’re just getting started 💪💜

Support the show

ABOUT THE HOST

Kylie Lynch is the Founder and Host of 4TG (For The Girls), a podcast and platform on a mission to keep more girls and women in sport.

A VFLW athlete, Australian representative in Polocrosse, coach, mentor and media/communications professional, Kylie has spent her career at the intersection of sport, media and community impact. Through 4TG, she shares the stories, lessons and experiences of elite athletes, coaches and industry leaders to help girls and women build confidence, navigate challenges and stay involved in sport for longer. Because sport doesn't just build athletes. It builds confidence, resilience, leadership, connection and opportunities that positively impact girls and women both on and off the field.

Connect with Kylie:

• Instagram: @kylie__lynch
• LinkedIn: Kylie Lynch
• Website: www.4tg.com.au
• Email: [email protected]

JOIN THE 4TG COMMUNITY

4TG exists to help keep more girls and women in sport.

Through powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, experts and industry leaders, we're building a community where girls and women feel inspired, supported and empowered to stay in the game.

• Instagram: ...

In this bonus crossover replay, Kylie Lynch (host of 4TG) joins Danny Kennedy on The Fitness and Lifestyle Podcast to share her story and the lessons every female athlete needs for 2025. 

Summary:
Kylie’s story is a raw look at the highs and lows of women’s sport—how identity and mental health are deeply connected, why community matters, and what it takes to create real change. She shares the motivation behind starting the 4TG podcast and her vision for a future where women’s sport is truly equal and empowered.

Key Takeaways:

• The link between identity, self-worth, and sports performance
• How injuries shaped Kylie’s mindset and resilience
• Why enjoyment—not just achievement—is crucial in sport
• The critical need for investment and equality in women’s sports
• Building community and support for young female athletes
• Detaching your self-worth from results and learning to believe in yourself

Key quotes:

• “The mind is our own gym.”
• “Enjoyment is key in sports.”
• “Sport is a vehicle to life.”

Chapters:

• 00:00 — Kylie Lynch: Athlete and Podcast Host
• 03:15 — The Evolution of a Sports Career
• 06:19 — Identity and Self-Worth in Sports
• 09:21 — Injury and Mental Resilience
• 11:59 — Mindset Shifts and Personal Growth
• 14:51 — The Launch of 4TG Podcast
• 17:46 — Women in Sports: Challenges and Opportunities
• 20:52 — The Future of Women’s Sports
• 23:26 — Final Thoughts and Reflections

Listen now and get inspired to write your own story—on and off the field.

If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a five-star review, and share it with a female athlete, parent or coach who needs to hear it.

Stay connected on Instagram and TikTok @4TG_Podcast. 

Support the 4TG mission on Buy Me a Coffee

Join our movement in 2026 - For brand collaborations or sponsorships, reach out at [email protected] 

Thank you for being part of the 4TG community. We’re just getting started 💪💜

Support the show

ABOUT THE HOST

Kylie Lynch is the Founder and Host of 4TG (For The Girls), a podcast and platform on a mission to keep more girls and women in sport.

A VFLW athlete, Australian representative in Polocrosse, coach, mentor and media/communications professional, Kylie has spent her career at the intersection of sport, media and community impact. Through 4TG, she shares the stories, lessons and experiences of elite athletes, coaches and industry leaders to help girls and women build confidence, navigate challenges and stay involved in sport for longer. Because sport doesn't just build athletes. It builds confidence, resilience, leadership, connection and opportunities that positively impact girls and women both on and off the field.

Connect with Kylie:

• Instagram: @kylie__lynch
• LinkedIn: Kylie Lynch
• Website: www.4tg.com.au
• Email: [email protected]

JOIN THE 4TG COMMUNITY

4TG exists to help keep more girls and women in sport.

Through powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, experts and industry leaders, we're building a community where girls and women feel inspired, supported and empowered to stay in the game.

• Instagram: ...

This episode is the 4TG Christmas Party and 2025 wrap, tying a bow on the lessons shared by our incredible guests this year. We reflect on four big months, 22 episodes, nearly 3,000 downloads, and reaching ~200,000 people per month, before looking ahead to what’s coming for 4TG in 2026.

You’ll hear practical insights on pursuing sporting ambitions, with reflections on resilience, confidence, and building an identity beyond sport. One key lesson stands out: confidence is built through competence by putting in the reps.

Key Takeaways

 Resilience beats talent: Progress comes from persistence through injury, non-selection, and self-doubt.
Confidence is built, not born: Competence comes from starting and staying consistent.
You are more than your sport: Sport is one part of your identity, alongside relationships, work, and hobbies.

Episode Highlights

 Reflecting on the 2025 season: 22 episodes, 19 guests, nearly 3,000 downloads in 4 months

 Biggest personal lesson: Less focus on what you’re achieving and more on who you’re being

 What’s coming in 2026: Official 4TG website, first merch drop, and a free masterclass in January

Timestamps

 [00:00:00] Intro and 2025 Wrap Stats

 [00:01:14] The 4TG Christmas Party / Spotify Wrapped

 [00:02:42] Season’s Biggest Learnings

 [00:07:29] Theme: Confidence is Built, Not Born

 [00:11:11] Actions that Build Confidence

 [00:20:20] Looking Ahead to 4TG in 2026

 [00:20:59] Website Launch and Merch Drop

 [00:23:44] Partnering with 4TG

 [00:24:22] Final Thoughts for the Holiday Break

🎄✨ Merry Christmas from 4TG! ✨🎄

🎁 Present #1: 20% OFF casual visits at P3 Recovery Port Melbourne – code 4TG20
🎁 Present #2: 15% OFF Tailwind Nutrition – code 4TGTW15
🎁 Present #3: Join the FREE 4TG Masterclass in January 2025 👉 bit.ly/4tg_masterclass

Stay connected on Instagram @4TG_Podcast
For collaborations or sponsorships: [email protected]

Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

Thank you for being part of the 4TG community 💪💜

Support the show

ABOUT THE HOST

Kylie Lynch is the Founder and Host of 4TG (For The Girls), a podcast and platform on a mission to keep more girls and women in sport.

A VFLW athlete, Australian representative in Polocrosse, coach, mentor and media/communications professional, Kylie has spent her career at the intersection of sport, media and community impact. Through 4TG, she shares the stories, lessons and experiences of elite athletes, coaches and industry leaders to help girls and women build confidence, navigate challenges and stay involved in sport for longer. Because sport doesn't just build athletes. It builds confidence, resilience, leadership, connection and opportunities that positively impact girls and women both on and off the field.

Connect with Kylie:

• Instagram: @kylie__lynch
• LinkedIn: Kylie Lynch
• Website: www.4tg.com.au
• Email: [email protected]

JOIN THE 4TG COMMUNITY

4TG exists to help keep more girls and women in sport.

Through powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, experts and industry leaders, we're building a community where girls and women feel inspired, supported and empowered to stay in the game.

• Instagram: ...

In this episode, we sit down with Silver Ferns midcourter Whitney Souness , our first professional netballer and first Kiwi guest. Whitney talks through her rise in elite sport, the expectations placed on her and the tough realities that come with high-performance environments. She talks about major setbacks, including a ruptured ACL and the emotional weight of non-selection, most recently missing out on the Silver Ferns squad. 

Key Takeaways

• Your journey isn’t linear: injuries, setbacks, and non-selection don’t define you — they often redirect you.
• Support systems matter: family, coaches, and mentors have played a massive role in Whitney’s resilience.
• Non-selection is not a reflection of your worth: sometimes it’s timing, fit, or one coach’s preference.
• Women’s sport needs investment: pay, resources, and visibility gaps still impact performance and longevity.
• Balance is essential: journaling, faith, and creative outlets like DJing help keep her grounded.

Timestamps
 00:00:00 – Introduction
 00:00:48 – Growing up around netball and first club.
 00:03:39 – Netball became serious.
 00:05:32 – Early belief from coaches; support network.
 00:06:37 – Family backing through highs/lows.
 00:08:46 – Recent non-selection from the Silver Ferns.
 00:11:42 – Family reassurance and mindset shift.
 00:12:26 – Selection is subjective; timing + fit.
 00:14:04 – When doors close, opportunities open.
 00:17:47 – ACL rupture early in career.
 00:19:19 – Returning in eight months.
 00:20:17 – Mental toll of rehab + identity.
 00:22:09 – Reality of being a woman in pro sport.
 00:27:36 – Needed change in women’s sport.
 00:29:30 – Importance of funding support staff.
 00:31:58 – Resilience tools: journaling + routine + wellbeing
 00:35:10 – DJing as a creative outlet.
 00:41:47 – Message to young Whitney.
 00:43:28 – Planning life after sport.
 00:45:35 – Final reflections. 

Connect with Whitney -  Insta @whitneysouness 

Fuel your game the right way - 4TG listeners get 10% off Younify Active supplements designed for athletes. 👉 Grab yours here - https://younifyactive.com/

Recover Smarter with P3 Recovery Port Melbourne - P3 Recovery are helping our 4TG community feel and perform their best 💪 Use code 4TG20 for 20% off casual visits. 

If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a five-star review, and share it with a female athlete or coach who needs to hear it.

Stay connected with us on Insta at @4TG_Podcast. Support the 4TG mission on Buy Me a Coffee, every contribution helps us spotlight

For brand collaborations or sponsorships, reach out at [email protected].

Support the show

ABOUT THE HOST

Kylie Lynch is the Founder and Host of 4TG (For The Girls), a podcast and platform on a mission to keep more girls and women in sport.

A VFLW athlete, Australian representative in Polocrosse, coach, mentor and media/communications professional, Kylie has spent her career at the intersection of sport, media and community impact. Through 4TG, she shares the stories, lessons and experiences of elite athletes, coaches and industry leaders to help girls and women build confidence, navigate challenges and stay involved in sport for longer. Because sport doesn't just build athletes. It builds confidence, resilience, leadership, connection and opportunities that positively impact girls and women both on and off the field.

Connect with Kylie:

• Instagram: @kylie__lynch
• LinkedIn: Kylie Lynch
• Website: www.4tg.com.au
• Email: [email protected]

JOIN THE 4TG COMMUNITY

4TG exists to help keep more girls and women in sport.

Through powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, experts and industry leaders, we're building a community where girls and women feel inspired, supported and empowered to stay in the game.

• Instagram: ...

This episode of the 4TG podcast features an inspiring conversation with elite Australian sprinter, Fia Fighera. Fia, who has been ranked seventh in Australia for the 200m in the Opens and has won national medals, shares her powerful journey through a career fraught with significant injuries. She opens up about the immense mental toll of being injured for four years in a row, describing the time when she felt "depressed and sad" and how she found herself wanting to quit. 

☕ Enjoying the episode? Support Our Mission!

If this conversation inspired you, help us keep empowering the next generation of female athletes. Your support on Buy Me a Coffee fuels more raw, real stories and keeps the 4TG movement growing. Every contribution—big or small—makes a real difference.

Back the mission here: buymeacoffee.com/4TG_podcast 

Key Takeaways

Fia's experience highlights the power of resilience in overcoming career-threatening injuries. 

She stresses that injury, though devastating, can be a catalyst for growth and reflection, forcing athletes to look at their self-worth beyond performance. 

Fia advocates for quality over quantity in sprinting

She also shares that teaching the fundamentals of proper sprinting technique is vital for junior athletes across all sports.

Episode Highlights

Fia details the devastating moment she tore her hamstring 50 meters into a race while trying to qualify for the World Juniors when she was 18, losing her chance at her first Australian team. 

This was a "really horrible injury" that was mentally difficult. 

Fia explains her current training strategy, which involves sprinting only twice a week and lifting weights twice a week to prioritize recovery and reduce re-injury risk. 

Fia, who is a PT and speed coach, shares how coaching has motivated her and improved her own performance by reinforcing technical concepts and giving her a purpose that is "bigger than you". 

Timestamps

00:03:11 - First major injury: hamstring tear & missing World Juniors 

00:06:19 - Four years of injuries begin: fractured tibia & stress fracture 

00:08:12 - Mental toll of injury and developing a strong mindset 

00:09:30 - Building a life and hobbies outside of athletics 

00:12:28 - Finding the motivation to not give up 

00:13:49 - Tenacity beats talent 

00:22:22 - Balancing work, business, and elite performance 

00:26:44 - Biggest misconception about sprinting: too much running 

00:34:24 - Keeping girls in sport: the importance of opportunities 00:35:31 - Connect with Fia

🔗 Connect with Fia Fighera

Instagram: @fiafighera @_empowerperformance and @thespeedproject_melb

YouTube: FiaFighera

Support the show

ABOUT THE HOST

Kylie Lynch is the Founder and Host of 4TG (For The Girls), a podcast and platform on a mission to keep more girls and women in sport.

A VFLW athlete, Australian representative in Polocrosse, coach, mentor and media/communications professional, Kylie has spent her career at the intersection of sport, media and community impact. Through 4TG, she shares the stories, lessons and experiences of elite athletes, coaches and industry leaders to help girls and women build confidence, navigate challenges and stay involved in sport for longer. Because sport doesn't just build athletes. It builds confidence, resilience, leadership, connection and opportunities that positively impact girls and women both on and off the field.

Connect with Kylie:

• Instagram: @kylie__lynch
• LinkedIn: Kylie Lynch
• Website: www.4tg.com.au
• Email: [email protected]

JOIN THE 4TG COMMUNITY

4TG exists to help keep more girls and women in sport.

Through powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, experts and industry leaders, we're building a community where girls and women feel inspired, supported and empowered to stay in the game.

• Instagram: ...

In this inspiring episode of 4TG, we welcome Paralympian turned footballer Tamsin Colley. Tamsin's journey is a powerful testament to resilience and the fight for equality for all-ability athletes. She is actively changing the narrative around disability in sport, challenging systems, and rewriting stereotypes to show the immense potential of para-athletes.

Discover how Tamsin defied expectations, going from being in a wheelchair until age five to representing Australia at the Rio Paralympics at age 13. She shares her transition from sprinting to para-football , finding a deeper sense of community and belonging in team sport. Tamsin also discusses the systemic barriers facing all-ability athletes, advocating for true inclusion over tokenism , and the importance of representation to inspire future generations.

Key Takeaways

Challenging Exclusion: Tamsin highlights that sport hasn't always been inclusive, recounting a challenging initial experience with Little Athletics before finding an inclusive club.

The Power of Team Sport: The shift from individual running to team football provided a valued sense of belonging, collaboration, and a shared goal that track and field lacked.

Dispelling Misconceptions: Para-athletes are world-class and elite, not just "inspirational". Tamsin works to myth-bust the idea that disability means less capability.

Advocacy for Female All-Ability Sport: Only 10% of all-ability programs in Australia are for girls and women. Tamsin is addressing this by co-running the 'She Kicks' program to build confidence and skills in an all-female environment.

The Future is Inclusive: Tamsin dreams of a time when including people with disabilities isn't seen as something "extra" but is simply the norm.

Episode Highlights

Tamsin's diagnosis with ataxic cerebral palsy after brain tumor surgery at 18 months old.

Representing Australia as the youngest Paralympian on the team at age 13 for the Rio Paralympics.

The devastating, yet resilient, moment of falling 20 meters before the finish line in Rio.

The discrimination of being dismissed by three football clubs due to the "para" prefix, before finding an inclusive club.

Her passion for the Australian women's football team, the Paramatildas, and her goal of competing in the Brisbane 2032 Paralympics.

Winning the 2024 Female Football Week award.

Her coaching philosophy centered around inclusion and tailoring development to each athlete's unique abilities.

Timestamps

[00:00:37] Introducing Tamsin Colley: Paralympian turned Footballer.

[00:02:11] Tamsin’s Story: Childhood, disability, and sport.

[00:04:03] Barriers: Inclusivity and why kids with disabilities drop out of sport.

[00:05:46] From Little Athletics to the Rio Paralympics.

[00:09:44] Transitioning from Track and Field to Football.

[00:12:25] The sense of community in team sport.

[00:13:50] Facing systemic barriers and bias in sport.

[00:15:53] Myth-busting misconceptions about para-athletes.

[00:17:57] What Tamsin would change as Prime Minister for a day.

[00:18:41] The push for CP Football in Brisbane 2032.

[00:22:46] Running the 'She Kicks' program for all-ability female footballers.

[00:30:28] Advice to her 16-year-old self: Believe in your ability.

[00:34:08] What’s next: World Cup goals and studying Exercise Physiology.

🔗 Connect with Tamsin Colley

LinkedIn: Tamsin Colley 

Instagram: @tamsincolley 

Facebook: Tamsin Colley 

If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a five-star review, and share it with a female athlete or coach who needs to hear it.

Stay connected with us on Instagram at @4TG_Podcast. Support the 4TG mission on Buy Me a Coffee, every contribution help

Support the show

ABOUT THE HOST

Kylie Lynch is the Founder and Host of 4TG (For The Girls), a podcast and platform on a mission to keep more girls and women in sport.

A VFLW athlete, Australian representative in Polocrosse, coach, mentor and media/communications professional, Kylie has spent her career at the intersection of sport, media and community impact. Through 4TG, she shares the stories, lessons and experiences of elite athletes, coaches and industry leaders to help girls and women build confidence, navigate challenges and stay involved in sport for longer. Because sport doesn't just build athletes. It builds confidence, resilience, leadership, connection and opportunities that positively impact girls and women both on and off the field.

Connect with Kylie:

• Instagram: @kylie__lynch
• LinkedIn: Kylie Lynch
• Website: www.4tg.com.au
• Email: [email protected]

JOIN THE 4TG COMMUNITY

4TG exists to help keep more girls and women in sport.

Through powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, experts and industry leaders, we're building a community where girls and women feel inspired, supported and empowered to stay in the game.

• Instagram: ...

Former Olympian and elite dual-sport athlete Georgia Nanscawen joins the podcast to discuss the high cost of giving everything to your sport, the reality of burnout, and the courage it takes to redefine your identity. From the hockey Olympic world stage (205 caps, London Olympics) to becoming one of the best AFLW players, Georgia proves you can hit rock bottom, step away, and find joy in competition again. This is a vital conversation about purpose, identity, finding happiness, and choosing yourself - even if it means starting over.

Key Takeaways

• The Weight of Identity: Separating self-worth from athlete performance and the anxiety of a sport-consumed identity.
• Damaging Culture: Pressure, anxiety, and body image issues created by mandatory skinfold testing and restrictive diet advice in elite hockey.
• The Courage to Walk Away: Quitting hockey after the love diminished and training became a chore.
• Rebuilding Through Fun: Transitioning to local football led to an AFLW career.
• Leading by Actions: Finding success as a captain in VFLW after being told she wasn't a leader in hockey.
• Power of Perspective: Resilience learned through long-term injury (ACL recovery) and non-selection.
• Age is Just a Number: Still improving her game at 33, proving fun and love for the sport are the only real limits.

Georgia’s Sporting Journey: Concrete Numbers

• Hockeyroos Caps: 205 games, youngest female Australian player to reach 100 and 150 caps.
• Olympic Appearance: Competed in the London Olympics (2012).
• Commonwealth Games: Gold at Glasgow.
• AFLW Start: Signed as the first ever AFLW player for Essendon.
• VFLW Success: Essendon VFL Best and Fairest and captain/co-captain of the premiership-winning VFLW side.

Timestamps 

00:36 — Introduction: Olympian Georgia Nanscawen on burnout and rebuilding. 01:56 — Hockey roots: From a young debut to a decorated career. 

04:28 — Playing with the boys and dominating early in her hockey development. 07:32 — Balancing an elite athlete career with high school. 

14:16 — The London 2012 Olympics experience. 

17:37 — Missing out on Rio 2016 and the challenge of being a traveling reserve. 

30:47 — The love for hockey diminishes; when training felt like a chore. 

33:28 — The final emotional breakdown: quitting hockey after her last game. 

 39:05 — Getting signed by North Melbourne AFLW and returning to professional sport. 

42:00 — Delisted from North Melbourne and refocusing at Essendon VFLW. 

50:09 — Becoming Essendon's first AFLW signing but tearing her ACL in the grand final. 

52:31 — ACL recovery and the resilience it taught her. 

56:23 — Advice: Age is just a number; finding your love of the sport. 

59:29 — Advice to her younger self: Appreciate the moment and your teammates.

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ABOUT THE HOST

Kylie Lynch is the Founder and Host of 4TG (For The Girls), a podcast and platform on a mission to keep more girls and women in sport.

A VFLW athlete, Australian representative in Polocrosse, coach, mentor and media/communications professional, Kylie has spent her career at the intersection of sport, media and community impact. Through 4TG, she shares the stories, lessons and experiences of elite athletes, coaches and industry leaders to help girls and women build confidence, navigate challenges and stay involved in sport for longer. Because sport doesn't just build athletes. It builds confidence, resilience, leadership, connection and opportunities that positively impact girls and women both on and off the field.

Connect with Kylie:

• Instagram: @kylie__lynch
• LinkedIn: Kylie Lynch
• Website: www.4tg.com.au
• Email: [email protected]

JOIN THE 4TG COMMUNITY

4TG exists to help keep more girls and women in sport.

Through powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, experts and industry leaders, we're building a community where girls and women feel inspired, supported and empowered to stay in the game.

• Instagram: ...